[ On judgment ]
“We have a right to our preferences, our likes and dislikes, our impressions, our opinions, but we should withhold final judgment—as an honest unprejudiced juryman keeps his verdict in suspense until he has heard and tested all of the evidence.
We have no right to let prejudice tyrannize over judgment and kill—the justice of the soul.
……….There are times in every life when we must judge, when we should judge, and when it is vitally important that we should judge wisely and justly.”
“The judgment that has been dulled by constant misuse, like a razor that has been used to sharpen pencils, is of little value in real need.
The wisest judgment means the best head cooperating with the best heart.
It’s kind, honest, charitable—seeking truth, not the verifying of a prejudice.”
“It says ever, in prefacing its conclusions on the evidence: “As it seems to me,” “If I understand it aright,” “So far as I have been able to reason it,” “Unless I am mistaken,” or similar phrases.
These represent the suspended judgment—with no tone of absolute finality.
They show a willingness to modify the verdict, to soften the sentence, or to order a new trial if new evidence, new illumination, or new interpretation can be produced.”
WILLIAM GEORGE JORDAN.